Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for a User Equipment (UE) operating in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving, by a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) transmitter, a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) from an upper layer; generating, by the PDCP transmitter, a PDCP data Protocol Data Unit (PDU) including the PDCP SDU and a time field corresponding to the PDCP SDU, wherein a value of the time field is set to a time when the PDCP SDU is received from the upper layer; performing, by the PDCP transmitter, ciphering only a data field and the time field of the PDCP data PDU, wherein a Data/Control (D/C) field and a PDCP Sequence Number(SN) field are not ciphered; and transmitting, by the PDCP transmitter, the generated PDCP data PDU to a PDCP receiver.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving security and efficiency in data transmission between User Equipment (UE) and network components. The problem addressed is the need for secure yet efficient data handling in the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, where encryption overhead can impact performance. The method involves a UE receiving a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) from an upper layer. The PDCP transmitter then generates a PDCP data Protocol Data Unit (PDU) containing the SDU and a time field, which records the exact time the SDU was received. The PDCP PDU includes a Data/Control (D/C) field, a PDCP Sequence Number (SN) field, and the data field (containing the SDU and time field). During ciphering, only the data field and the time field are encrypted, while the D/C and SN fields remain unencrypted. The PDU is then transmitted to a PDCP receiver. By selectively encrypting only the data and time fields, the method reduces processing overhead while maintaining security for sensitive information. The unencrypted D/C and SN fields allow for efficient handling and sequencing of packets without decryption, improving system performance. This approach balances security and efficiency in wireless communication protocols.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the time field is represented by using subframe number.
A method for wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently managing time synchronization in cellular networks. The invention involves representing a time field using a subframe number, which is a specific time unit in wireless communication protocols. This approach allows for precise timing synchronization between network nodes, such as base stations and user devices, by leveraging the existing subframe structure defined in standards like LTE or 5G. The subframe number provides a granular time reference, enabling accurate scheduling, synchronization, and coordination of communication tasks. By using subframe numbers, the method ensures compatibility with existing network infrastructure while improving timing accuracy and reducing synchronization overhead. This technique is particularly useful in scenarios requiring high-precision timing, such as coordinated multipoint transmission, device-to-device communication, or time-sensitive applications. The method may also include additional steps, such as determining the subframe number based on system frame numbers or other time references, to enhance reliability and flexibility in different network configurations. The use of subframe numbers simplifies time management and reduces the complexity of synchronization mechanisms, making it suitable for both current and future wireless communication standards.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the time field is 16-bits.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to data processing systems, specifically methods for handling time fields in digital communications or data storage. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and standardized time representation in systems where precise timing is critical, such as network protocols, embedded systems, or real-time applications. The invention describes a method for encoding time information using a 16-bit field. This field is designed to balance precision and memory efficiency, allowing systems to represent time values within a defined range while minimizing storage requirements. The 16-bit length ensures compatibility with common hardware and software architectures, simplifying integration into existing systems. The method may involve converting a time value into a 16-bit format, storing or transmitting the encoded time, and later decoding it back into a usable time representation. The 16-bit constraint may require trade-offs in resolution or range, but the invention ensures that the encoded time remains accurate and interpretable within the system's operational constraints. This approach is particularly useful in applications where time synchronization, event logging, or timestamping is required, such as in distributed systems, sensor networks, or telecommunication protocols. By standardizing the time field length, the invention promotes interoperability and reduces complexity in time-sensitive operations.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the PDCP data PDU includes the time field followed by an octet containing the D/C field directly.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to the structure of Protocol Data Conduit Protocol (PDCP) data Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in packet-switched networks. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and standardized formatting of PDCP PDUs to ensure proper handling of data packets, particularly in scenarios requiring time synchronization or differentiation between control and data fields. The method involves constructing a PDCP data PDU where a time field is placed at the beginning of the PDU, followed immediately by an octet containing a Direction/Control (D/C) field. The time field allows for precise timestamping of the data, which is critical for applications requiring synchronization, such as real-time communication or time-sensitive networking. The D/C field, encoded within a single octet, distinguishes between control information and user data, enabling the receiving entity to process the PDU correctly without additional parsing overhead. This structured approach ensures that the PDU can be efficiently decoded and processed by network nodes, reducing latency and improving reliability in data transmission. The direct placement of the time field and D/C field optimizes the PDU format for minimal overhead while maintaining compatibility with existing communication protocols. The invention is particularly useful in 5G and beyond networks where low-latency and high-reliability data transfer are essential.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the PDCP data PDU includes a first octet containing the PDCP SN field followed by the time field directly, and the time field followed by data field directly.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to the structure of Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) data Protocol Data Units (PDUs) for efficient transmission and synchronization. The problem addressed is the need for a compact and standardized format for PDCP PDUs that includes sequence numbering, timing information, and payload data in a way that minimizes overhead and processing complexity. The method involves constructing a PDCP PDU with a specific octet structure. The first octet contains a PDCP Sequence Number (SN) field, which is followed directly by a time field. The time field, in turn, is followed directly by a data field. This sequential arrangement ensures that the PDU can be parsed efficiently without additional delimiters or metadata, reducing processing overhead. The time field allows for synchronization between transmitting and receiving devices, while the data field carries the actual payload. This structure is particularly useful in scenarios where low-latency communication and precise timing are critical, such as in 5G networks or other advanced wireless systems. The invention improves data transmission efficiency by eliminating unnecessary padding or separators between fields, thereby optimizing bandwidth usage and processing speed.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the PDCP data PDU includes a data field followed by the time field directly.
A method for processing Protocol Data Conduction Protocol (PDCP) data Protocol Data Units (PDUs) in wireless communication systems addresses the need for efficient data transmission and synchronization. The method involves structuring a PDCP data PDU to include a data field followed immediately by a time field, eliminating unnecessary padding or intermediate fields. This direct sequencing ensures minimal overhead and precise timing information, improving transmission efficiency and reducing latency. The data field contains the payload or control information, while the time field provides timestamp data for synchronization or timing-related operations. By placing the time field directly after the data field, the method simplifies parsing and processing, reducing computational overhead at the receiver. This approach is particularly useful in high-speed communication systems where timing accuracy and low latency are critical, such as 5G networks or real-time applications. The method enhances data integrity and synchronization while maintaining compatibility with existing PDCP protocols.
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising: receiving, from a PDCP receiver, a request to include the time field in the PDCP PDU.
A method for enhancing packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) communication involves modifying PDCP protocol data units (PDUs) to include a time field. The method addresses the need for precise timing information in wireless communication systems, particularly in scenarios where synchronization between transmitting and receiving devices is critical. The time field provides a timestamp indicating when the PDU was generated or transmitted, enabling accurate time-based processing, synchronization, and latency measurement. The method includes receiving a request from a PDCP receiver to include the time field in the PDCP PDU, ensuring that the time information is available when needed. This enhancement supports applications requiring real-time data processing, such as autonomous driving, industrial automation, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in 5G networks. The time field can be formatted to include various time-related data, such as absolute timestamps, relative timestamps, or sequence numbers, depending on the specific requirements of the communication system. The method ensures backward compatibility by allowing the time field to be optional, activated only when requested by the receiver. This approach improves system flexibility and efficiency while maintaining interoperability with existing PDCP implementations.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the time field is configured per radio bearer.
A method for managing time fields in wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently allocating and utilizing time resources across different radio bearers. In wireless networks, radio bearers are logical connections that carry data between a user device and the network, each with specific quality-of-service requirements. The method involves configuring a time field, which defines the timing parameters for data transmission, on a per-radio-bearer basis. This allows the network to dynamically adjust timing settings for each bearer, optimizing resource allocation and reducing latency or interference. By tailoring the time field to the needs of individual bearers, the method ensures that high-priority or delay-sensitive traffic receives appropriate timing configurations, while less critical data can use more flexible timing. This approach enhances overall network efficiency and performance, particularly in scenarios with diverse traffic types and quality-of-service demands. The method may also include mechanisms to monitor and update the time field configurations in real-time, adapting to changing network conditions or user requirements. The solution is applicable to various wireless standards, including 5G and beyond, where flexible and efficient resource management is crucial.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the time field is configured fora certain time period.
This invention relates to a method for managing time-based data in a system, addressing the challenge of efficiently handling and processing time-sensitive information. The method involves configuring a time field to represent a specific time period, allowing for precise tracking and management of events or data points that occur within that defined duration. This configuration ensures that the system can accurately associate data with the correct time frame, improving data integrity and enabling time-based analysis. The method includes steps for defining the time period, which may involve setting start and end times or specifying a duration. The system then processes data based on this time field, ensuring that all operations, such as data retrieval, filtering, or analysis, are performed within the specified time constraints. This approach is particularly useful in applications where temporal accuracy is critical, such as financial transactions, event logging, or real-time monitoring systems. By configuring the time field for a certain time period, the method enhances the system's ability to handle time-sensitive operations, reducing errors and improving efficiency. The invention ensures that data is correctly aligned with the intended time frame, supporting accurate reporting and decision-making. This solution is applicable in various industries where precise time management is essential for system performance and reliability.
10. A method for a User Equipment (UE) operating in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving, by a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) transmitter, a condition for adding a time field to a PDCP data Protocol Data Unit (PDU); receiving, by the PDCP transmitter, a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) from an upper layer; checking, by the PDCP transmitter, whether the condition is met or not; generating, by the PDCP transmitter, a PDCP data PDU including the PDCP SDU and a time field corresponding to the PDCP SDU if the condition is met, wherein a value of the time field is set to a time when the PDCP SDU is received from the upper layer; performing, by the PDCP transmitter, ciphering only a data field and the time field of the PDCP data PDU, wherein a Data/Control (D/C) field and a PDCP Sequence Number(SN) field are not ciphered; and transmitting, by the PDCP transmitter, the generated PDCP data PDU to a PDCP receiver.
In wireless communication systems, ensuring accurate timing and security for data transmission is critical. A method for User Equipment (UE) involves a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) transmitter that adds a time field to PDCP data Protocol Data Units (PDUs) under specific conditions. The PDCP transmitter receives a condition for adding the time field and a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) from an upper layer. It checks whether the condition is met and, if so, generates a PDCP data PDU that includes the PDCP SDU and a time field. The time field is set to the time when the PDCP SDU was received from the upper layer. The PDCP transmitter then performs ciphering on only the data field and the time field of the PDCP data PDU, leaving the Data/Control (D/C) field and the PDCP Sequence Number (SN) field unencrypted. Finally, the generated PDCP data PDU is transmitted to a PDCP receiver. This method ensures that timing information is securely transmitted while maintaining the integrity of control fields.
11. The method according to claim 10 , wherein the condition is that a the PDCP SN associated with the PDCP SDU is multiple of N.
A method for managing packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) sequence numbers (SNs) in wireless communication systems addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and processing PDCP service data units (SDUs) to ensure reliable data transmission. The method involves monitoring the PDCP SN associated with each PDCP SDU and applying a specific condition to determine whether to perform a particular operation, such as discarding or processing the SDU. In this case, the condition is that the PDCP SN must be a multiple of a predefined integer N. This allows for selective handling of SDUs based on their sequence numbers, which can be useful for tasks like periodic reporting, load balancing, or error recovery. The method may be part of a broader process that includes receiving PDCP SDUs, extracting their SNs, and applying the condition to trigger the desired action. By using a multiple-of-N condition, the system can efficiently filter or process SDUs at regular intervals, improving overall communication efficiency and reliability.
12. A method for a User Equipment (UE) operating in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving, by a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) receiver, a PDCP data Protocol Data Unit (PDU) including a PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) and a time field corresponding to the PDCP SDU from a PDCP transmitter, wherein a value of the time field is set to a time when the PDCP transmitter received the PDCP SDU from an upper layer; performing, by the PDCP receiver, deciphering only a data field and the time field of the PDCP data PDU, wherein a Data/Control (D/C) field and a PDCP Sequence Number(SN) field were not ciphered; sending, by the PDCP receiver, the PDCP SDU to an upper layer; and calculating, by the PDCP receiver, a packet transmission delay in a radio interface based on a time of sending the PDCP SDU and the value of the of time field included in the PDCP data PDU.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving packet transmission delay measurement in User Equipment (UE). The problem addressed is accurately determining the time taken for data to traverse the radio interface, which is critical for latency-sensitive applications. Current methods often lack precise timing information due to ciphering of key fields in Protocol Data Units (PDUs). The solution involves a method where a UE receives a PDCP data PDU containing a PDCP SDU and a time field from a PDCP transmitter. The time field indicates when the transmitter received the SDU from an upper layer. The receiver deciphers only the data and time fields, leaving the Data/Control (D/C) field and PDCP Sequence Number (SN) field unencrypted. The SDU is then forwarded to the upper layer. The receiver calculates the packet transmission delay by comparing the time of sending the SDU with the value in the time field. This approach ensures accurate delay measurement while maintaining security for sensitive fields. The method enables precise latency monitoring without compromising the integrity of control information.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein when the PDCP receiver calculates the packet transmission delay, the PDCP receiver subtracts the value of the time field included in the PDCP data PDU from the time of sending the PDCP SDU.
This invention relates to packet transmission delay calculation in wireless communication systems, specifically within the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. The problem addressed is accurately determining the delay experienced by data packets as they traverse the network, which is critical for quality of service (QoS) monitoring, latency optimization, and troubleshooting in real-time communication systems. The method involves a PDCP receiver calculating the packet transmission delay by subtracting the timestamp embedded in the received PDCP Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from the time the original PDCP Service Data Unit (SDU) was sent. The PDU includes a time field that records when the packet was processed or transmitted at an earlier stage, while the SDU sending time is tracked when the data is initially dispatched from the transmitter. By comparing these two timestamps, the system can compute the end-to-end delay experienced by the packet. This approach ensures precise delay measurement by leveraging existing protocol fields rather than requiring additional overhead. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where latency is a critical performance metric, such as in 5G networks, IoT applications, or real-time multimedia streaming. The technique helps network operators identify bottlenecks, optimize routing, and ensure compliance with service-level agreements (SLAs). The solution is integrated into the PDCP layer, which handles data compression, encryption, and integrity checks, making it a natural fit for delay monitoring in modern wireless systems.
Unknown
September 17, 2019
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